An amazing challenge for a cause

Singapore — They were all driven to be first in all the pit stops and were fantastic to perform every detour or roadblock challenge of the race. The Amazing Caltex Charity Car Wash held recently at Caltex Lorong Chuan, however, saw the other side of The Amazing Race Asia Season Two racers. They also proved they could be relied on to do charity work particularly to Singapore’s The Society for the Physically Disabled. Besides, the Caltex challenge was no sweat compared to traveling around Asia and beyond for 24 straight days.

In the spirit of camaraderie, Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez of the Philippines, Adrian Yap and Collin Low of Singapore, Pamela and Vanessa Chong, Ann Tan and Diane Douglas of Malaysia, Daichi and Sawaka Kawashima of Japan, Paula Taylor of Thailand, Aurelia Chenat of Hong Kong and host Allan Wu put aside their everyday cares and bonded together to wash cars. But what caught everyone’s attention was the spontaneity and friendship they showed during the post-Amazing Race Asia 2 event. While working, the contestants clowned around and talked as if the entire season was not enough to get to know each other.

Their participation in the affair proves that two heads are better than one and working together makes every task easier.

This is the same belief Caltex values and the reason why it has partnered with AXN as a major sponsor of the reality show.

“We just want to help motorists in their journey and little Amazing Race,” says Brian Fisher, integrated marketing manager, Asia Pacific of Caltex, Chevron International Pte Ltd. “(Through our products and services), we provide them the ease and convenience they need in hopping from one place to another.” This is evident in the fuel company’s What Drives You campaign and TV commercials.

Caltex, a fuel brand present in around 60 countries in Asia, Middle East and Africa, makes a personal connection with customers as shown in the driving outings of The Amazing Race Asia contenders. Caltex with Techron cleans vital engine parts while Caltex Starcard offers an effective way to manage one’s fleet. Star Mart, on the other hand, is a convenience store that caters to every customer’s needs. Caltex Star Cash helps one handle fuel expenses smartly.

“Caltex provides little, simple things to help everyone achieve bigger things in his life,” shares Brian. “We wish to get our customers back on the road of life replenished, revived and refreshed.”

After The Amazing Race Asia 2 season finale party at Clarke Quay’s Indochine — The Forbidden City, the racers are on their toes again and back to their normal lives.

Marc continues to co-host ABS-CBN’s Sports Unlimited while Rovilson busies himself editing Maxim Philippines and preparing its editorial content. Placing  third in the race, the buddies were proud to win seven straight legs. It was a tough act to follow. No team even in the show’s US version so far has achieved such a feat. With their prominence around Asia, Marc and Rovilson are open to career opportunities in the region. They would also like to engage in charity activities by auctioning items they used in the race. Rovilson says in jest that he also  wishes to put up a flag shop.

Adrian and Collin, who are $100,000 richer now, will spend their money wisely since both come from humble beginnings. The Singaporeans share that it was tougher to keep mum about the results than racing around four continents. The Amazing Race Asia 2 finished sometime in July. What helped them clinch the title was the fact Adrian and Collin never panicked. The two also took a practical approach and weighed their options. Their victory proved that all racers are on equal footing, given the fact that Adrian has hearing impairment.

Vanessa, on the other hand, is all eyes on managing Vince Chong’s recording career. Vince, brother of Vanessa and Pamela, was part of the Asian version of High School Musical soundtrack Breaking Free singing along with the Philippines’ Nikki Gil and Singapore’s Alicia Pan. Vanessa wants his brother to conquer the music scene in territories like Taiwan and the Philippines. With Vanessa’s endearing looks, she could be a celebrity and product endorser in the region. Paula, one of the Amazing Race 2 beauties, is in the Channel V studio hosting and DJ-ing. The Thai star clarifies rumors that she and Marc are an item. She says they are just friends. Recently, Paula and Vanessa guested on Sports Unlimited and took part in the Nivea Celebrity and Media Challenge held at the sprawling Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Davao.

Asked if they are willing to take part for a possible all-star version of The Amazing Race Asia, Marc replies, “In a heart beat.” Rovilson nods in agreement.